Oulahen, 24, is preparing for the fifth season of his pro career, the entirety of which has been spent in a Griffins uniform. In 2008-09, the team’s alternate captain set career highs with 19 goals and 31 points in 73 appearances, placing fourth on the club in goals. Detroit’s third choice in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Oulahen ranks among the Griffins’ all-time leaders with 302 games played (3rd), five shorthanded goals (T5th), six unassisted goals (T5th) and 504 shots (7th), to go with 107 points (53-54—107) and 140 penalty minutes.

Despite suffering a dislocated hip on March 27 at Norfolk that prematurely ended his 2008-09 season, Oulahen has shown remarkable durability during his career, missing only 18 of 320 regular season contests and appearing in 155 straight games (including playoffs) from Oct. 27, 2006 to Apr. 2, 2008. The team’s one-time co-captain (2007-08) is renowned for his defensive abilities and was a key factor in the Griffins’ third-place ranking in penalty killing last season.

McGrath, 23, enters his fourth pro season after enjoying his most productive campaign last year. In 68 games, he ranked fourth on the Griffins with 30 assists and 47 points – both career highs – and placed fifth on the squad with 17 goals, one shy of his personal best. McGrath’s contributions were halted by a shoulder injury that prevented him from playing in the last four regular season contests and the Griffins’ entire playoff run.

A regular in the shootout, McGrath is currently tied for second on the Griffins’ all-time list with 11 career tallies and ranks fourth with 24 shootout attempts, following his 3-for-9 performance last season. Detroit’s second choice in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft shows 96 points (41-55—96) and 91 PIM in 205 career games with Grand Rapids.